…and that’s a wrap!

At the last Council meeting for the 2016-19 triennium, Mayor Andrew King presented his first Mayoral citation. The citation was awarded to acknowledge Robyn McDougall, who in 1966 and together with her husband Ken, saved eight people in an act of bravery as a boat caught fire on the Waikato River. Robyn was joined by her family and one of the survivors from the fire.

The 2018/19 Annual Report was adopted, highlighting key achievements and performance measures for the 12 months ending 30 June 2019. The report will be available on the Council’s website and in the Council office reception area early next week.

Chief Executive, Richard Briggs says a video created to celebrate some of the success shows just how busy the last 12 months have been in Hamilton.

“From nationally recognised venues and facilities, to revolutionary road safety improvements and smashing a decades-old record for new home consents, Hamilton is buzzing!”

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The Council voted to defer adoption of the Draft Hamilton Gardens Management Plan, pending more community input. In an update to the Council (in response to public commentary), staff explained there had been no intention to remove a large mature gum tree in the Rhododendron Lawn. An inspection of the tree showed it was in good health and would be protected if the Lawn is repurposed as proposed.

Staff also confirmed the proposal to repurpose the Rhododendron Lawn to consolidate vehicle parking at the increasingly popular site, was included in public consultation questions. The draft Plan will be brought back to the first normal business meeting of the 2019-2022 Council.

For their last address of this triennium, the mayor and councillors reflected on the past three years, acknowledging the highs and lows and citing projects that were personally key achievements for them.

The Council will now stand down, ahead of election day. Voting papers have been delivered across the city, with voting open until 12noon on 12 October. Progress results will be announced later that afternoon.